COMMUNITY LEADERS SAY ONLINE COLLEGE CAN PREPARE STUDENTS AND WORKERS FOR THE FUTURE

CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP US GET FUTURE-READY?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FUTURE OF WORK MEETUPS 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS 9

UNDERSTANDING THE STRANDED WORKER 10

PREPARING CALIFORNIA FOR THE FUTURE 14

MOBILIZING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS 16

IMPLEMENTING TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND EXPANDING ON STRONG WORKFORCE 18

EMPLOYEE & EMPLOYER SURVEY SUMMARY REPORTS 24

EMPLOYEE SURVEY SUMMARY REPORT 25

EMPLOYER SURVEY SUMMARY REPORT 47

REFERENCES 60

THANK YOU TO OUR MEETUP CHAMPIONS 62

Future of Work MeetUps

TOP RECOMMENDATIONS1

1High-support student experience. A comprehensive support infrastructure is key to make sure the online college is culturally appropriate, incorporates faculty interaction, creates social networks and provides significant onboarding support for those non-digital natives – a substantial portion of the target population.

1. For the full list of recommendations, see Appendix A. 2. For background on the stranded worker, see Appendix B.

“As our businesses change because of technology, we need to be able to

respond accordingly. The governor’s proposal is an encouraging effort to

provide much-needed support and training opportunities for those currently

working in or interested in small business.”

Julian Canete, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

“The all-online community college is great for someone like me. I am currently

working toward a graduate degree through an all-online program and teaching

an adult education class that is computer-based.”

Oscar Guajardo, Santa Rosa Junior College

Future of Work MeetUps // Page 9

2Access to technology and equipment, including broadband. Students and workers must have access to technology and reliable internet for this to be effective. Many leaders recommended the colleges partner with community organizations (e.g., libraries, high schools, co-working spaces, mobile labs) to make sure the services are readily available and included as part of the tuition (no additional cost).

3Cultural adeptness. Out of the 2.5 million stranded working adults2, 49 percent are from Spanish-speaking households and struggle to access traditional higher education. Support services, access to technology, multilingual infrastructure and community awareness of the online college will be essential.

4Relevancy and efficiency. Many stranded workers are between the age of 35 and 65 and have a high school diploma, but no college degree. Older working adults will require enhanced support to learn in an online infrastructure, flexible scheduling and employer-verified skill-based programs that can be completed quickly and offer more immediate post-credential employment.

“The online college, the system’s 115th college, can be an

access point to opportunity for so many Californians.”

Gurminder Sangha, California Community Colleges

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BarriersNot a barrier

at all Somewhatof a barrier

A major barrierNumber of responses

Tuition/fees not affordable 12% 44% 43% 97

Class times not convenient 17% 45% 38% 97

School location not convenient 33% 41% 26% 97

Transportation a problem 63% 28% 9% 97

Classes conflicted with family responsibilities 40% 33% 27% 96

Child care difficult to secure 70% 20% 10% 96

Defaulted on past student loans 81% 10% 8% 96

Could not maintain acceptable grades 83% 16% 1% 95

Did not see benefit of additional education for current or future role at the company

64% 30% 6% 95

Table 1: Worker Perceptions of Barriers to Further EducationExtent to which select barriers impact the pursuit of further education

Source: California Future of Work Employee Survey*Not all rows total to 100% due to rounding

How employer can help Percentage who said this would help

Tuition reimbursement 70%

Flexible work schedule 80%

Knowing which degree/credential would help advance career 50%

Financial aid for books, lab fees, commuting costs, etc. 47%

Computer skills training 26%

Mentoring program with employees who have completed their degrees/certificates 34%

Networking opportunities with other employees who are enrolled in school 30%

More opportunities to learn online 47%

Opportunities in the work week to practice new skills 36%

Onsite classes that earn college credit 34%

Graduation recognition 21%

Online classes 37%

Other write-in:- On-site child care center (1)- Tutoring in focused tech area (1)- Shadowing (1)

4%

Source: California Future of Work Employee Survey

Table 2: Worker Requests to Employers for SupportWhat employers/organizations could provide to help employees pursue their educational goals

What reasons would be important for you to earn a college degree, certificate or obtain new skills? Check all that apply.

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“Other” Responses Count

Attend Law School 1

Potentially all of the above, AND, open new possibilities! 1

Stay up to date 1

To grow personally and professionally. To gain skills, knowledge and experiences that could be valuable in the workplace and beyond.

1

Credentials required for that field of work 1

Obtain a specific job 1

To have a more labor-market-relevant degree 1

What could your employer and/or regional organization provide to help you pursue your educational goals (in the form of a degree, certificate or new skills)? Choose all that apply.

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“Other” Responses Count

A child care center on site 1

Employer is a cost-cutter, does not pay for training 1

Specific tutoring in focused tech area 1

Shadowing 1